I felt like a desperate man today as I toured the gardens looking for some sign that my little beauties made it through the winter. I’d take any sign at all. Some sort of signal saying “Here we come dude, fear not for our safety. We’ll reunite soon enough”. And gosh darn it if those little buggers didn’t put a smile on my winter worn face.   

The Summer Snowflake (Leucojum aestivum) bulbs have emerged.

Not that there was ever a concern, but seeing the little “fingernails” of the peonies emerge can be considered “breaking news” this time of year.

The Sedum ‘Matrona’ took a beating last year (deer, drought, clumsy kids) but they are on their way back. Can I get an amen?

Some other observations during my walkabout: 

Maybe I’m insane, but the “evergreen” sedums have taken on a brighter color red the past few days.  

Deep breath … the deer have reappeared and took to one of the arborvitae ‘rheingold’. However, they did just chow down to the new green growth and only disposed of the bronzed foliage. Maybe they were just trying to help?

I’m ready to cut down the ornamental grasses but held off for at least one more day as I still NEED their winter interest.

It may not be earth shattering, but for this time of year, I’ll take it. Baby steps … baby steps.

ONG